The Federal Government has ordered the immediate repair of the damaged section of the Shagamu-Benin bridge, a critical link on Nigeria’s busiest highway connecting the South-West and South-South regions.
The announcement, made by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, through his media adviser Uchenna Orji on Tuesday, comes after concerns were raised over the visible puncture on the Benin-bound carriageway of the bridge, located at the border of Edo and Ondo States.
According to the ministry, a team of engineers has already been dispatched to the site to assess and begin remedial works.
Umahi explained that urgent intervention had been initiated to prevent further deterioration and ensure safety for thousands of motorists who ply the route daily.
“The ministry has commenced immediate action on the damaged section.
It will take a maximum period of 45 days after concrete works for vehicular movement to resume on the affected side,” the statement read.
To minimize disruption, traffic will be diverted to one carriageway, while officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will be stationed at the location to ease congestion.
The Works Ministry attributed the problem to age-related deterioration.
Built in 1981, the Shagamu-Benin bridge has endured over four decades of heavy use, carrying millions of vehicles, including long-haul trailers transporting goods across the country.
“Bridges are susceptible to deterioration from constant pressure, weather conditions, and insufficient maintenance.
Issues like cracks, corrosion, and punctures often arise with age, which is what we are currently addressing,” Umahi explained.
While temporary repair works are being executed, Umahi assured that the government is pursuing a more durable, long-term solution.
Plans are underway to remove and reconstruct the entire deck slab of both bridges in the Ondo-Edo axis, using modern engineering technology.
“The Shagamu-Benin bridge is vital to our national economy. We will not only repair the damaged deck but ensure the entire bridge is rebuilt with stronger materials to serve for decades,” he noted.
The minister apologized to motorists for the inconvenience the rehabilitation might cause but emphasized that safety and durability must come first.
He also acknowledged the vigilance of a content creator who first raised public awareness about the damage, saying it reflects the growing role of citizens in infrastructure monitoring.
“While some may downplay the government’s effort, I must thank the individual who raised the alarm.
Nigerians should be reassured that this administration is committed to addressing such concerns swiftly under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” Umahi said.
The Ministry of Works disclosed that President Tinubu has approved rehabilitation for over 30 bridges nationwide in 2025 alone, signaling a renewed focus on Nigeria’s crumbling infrastructure.
From the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos to key crossings in the North-East, the government says it is tackling structural weaknesses that could jeopardize national safety and economic activity if ignored.
“The Renewed Hope legacy projects and inherited ongoing road projects are bold interventions aimed at expanding the nation’s road network, boosting industrial growth, and raising Nigeria’s human development index,” Umahi added.
The Shagamu-Benin highway is one of Nigeria’s busiest inter-state routes, linking Lagos to the South-South and South-East regions.
It facilitates movement of goods from the Apapa and Tin Can ports to other parts of the country. Experts estimate that over 20,000 vehicles ply the route daily.
Transport analysts warn that prolonged disruption on the bridge could increase travel time, raise logistics costs, and worsen inflation already affecting food and consumer goods.
The swift intervention, therefore, is not only a safety measure but also an economic safeguard.
Early reactions from road users and stakeholders have been mixed.
While some commend the Federal Government for acting promptly, others stress the need for sustainable road maintenance rather than emergency interventions.
A commercial driver, James Ogbebor, told reporters:
“We thank God they responded quickly, but government must learn to maintain these bridges regularly before they collapse.”
Civil engineers also emphasize the importance of preventive maintenance, urging the ministry to develop a structured monitoring framework for all major highways.
With work set to commence immediately, motorists have been advised to plan their trips and expect minor delays during the 45-day repair period.
The Shagamu-Benin bridge rehabilitation stands as a test case for the Tinubu administration’s promise to revolutionize Nigeria’s infrastructure.
If completed on schedule with lasting results, it could restore public confidence in the government’s ability to deliver on its road sector commitments.